Mitochondrial genetics and bipolar disorder

Abstract

Abstract Mitochondria play a central role in brain energy metabolism and brain health. Because the brain is uniquely dependent on mitochondria for its energy requirements, minor disruptions in mitochondrial function can lead to selective disturbances in affective networks. A number of observations have led to the insight that mitochondria play a role in mood disorders in at least a subset of individuals. Bona fide mitochondrial diseases have a high prevalence of mood disturbances and psychiatric conditions; mitochondria-related functions are abnormal in bipolar disorder; some mitochondrial DNA variants are associated with bipolar disorder; mitochondria-related gene expression is altered in bipolar disorder; and mood stabilizers also stabilize mitochondrial function. This chapter will delve into the intricacies of mitochondria and their function in the brain, and detail the various experimental conditions and findings that show the association of mitochondria and energy metabolism with bipolar and mood disorders.